Rae

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RAE: Peacefully on October 24, 2020 with family by her side, we said goodbye to our beloved mother, wife, grandmother and great-grandmother at the age of 91. Left with many fond memories are her husband of 70 years, Robert; her three children, Ian (Lesley Brager) of Victoria, Carol (Clarke Wilkie) of Winnipeg and Gordon (Pearl) of Calgary; grandchildren John (Melanie), Joel (Ann), Andrea (Colin), Eric (Katie) and Thalia (Ashley); and 14 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sister, Carolyn Johnston of Burlington, ON, nephew Brock and niece Laurie. She was predeceased by her parents, Rev. Dr. Robert Hall and Ruth (Martin) Hall, and her granddaughter, Sarah. Merry, as she was affectionately known, was born on December 28, 1928 in Belleville, ON. The family moved to Saskatoon when her father, a United Church minister, accepted the call to Knox United Church there. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the U of S where she also met her husband, Bob. They married in 1950, and the following year moved to Allahabad, India where Bob took a position at an agricultural institute and where their three children were born. Returning to Canada in 1956, they settled in Brandon, MB which would be their home base for the next 42 years. During this time, their desire to live and work overseas would take them to Damascus, Syria on a United Nations assignment, and later to Tanzania for a 2-year project with CIDA. Upon their return in 1980, they built a home on a quarter section of land south of Brandon where Merry spent hours gardening, berry-picking and watching deer in the meadow from their front window. When no longer able to manage the property, Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island became their retirement home, a place she referred to as "heaven on earth"! Mum enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved nature, especially birds, flowers, and the ocean. She was a lifelong member of the United Church of Canada, making Knox United in Brandon and Knox United in Parksville her church homes for most of her life. She had a deep personal faith and commitment to social justice and serving others, and was active in numerous church and community organizations over the years. Music was her passion, particularly singing in church and community choirs, opera choruses and the Westman Philharmonic. She served on the board of the Brandon Festival of Arts including 8 years as Executive Secretary, the Association of MB Festivals and the Egré National Music Competition. Above all else was her love for her family and she treasured times spent together. As Mum's memory and physical abilities declined, the decision was made to move back to Manitoba where she and Dad could stay together in supportive housing and be close to their daughter in Winnipeg. Her final year of life was spent in West Park Manor Personal Care Home and we sincerely thank the staff for the wonderful care she received. In keeping with Mum's wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life with lots of joyous music will be held at a later date. We are grateful for all the support from Westworth United Church during this difficult time. If desired, donations in Merry's memory may be made to the United Church of Canada Mission & Service Fund or Doctors Without Borders.

Friends and family
are invited to share
memories and condolences
by visiting Merry's
memorial page at
seasonsfunerals.ca

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 07, 2020